I Won the Green Card Lottery; Can I Adjust My Status Within the U.S.?

The answer depends on your current immigration status. For the most part, the way you entered the U.S. is what matters the most when determining your eligibility of getting your green card while you are in the U.S. If you entered the U.S. illegally, or you have remained in the U.S. after your authorized stay’s expiration date, you are not eligible for an adjustment of status through USCIS. However, if you entered the U.S. with the required documents, and your stay has not gone past the expiration date of your authorized stay, or in other words, you reside in the U.S. legally, you are allowed to apply for a green card in the U.S. after winning the lottery.